The flag of Austria has three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red. Official flags are sometimes defaced with the Coat of arms of Austria in the middle of the flag. Austrian flag is the second oldest national flag in the world (Denmark's flag is the oldest) According to tradition, in 1191, following a fierce battle in the Third Crusade, Duke Leopold V of Austria's white tunic became completely blood-spattered; upon removal of his wide belt or sash, a white band was revealed; the red-white-red color combination was subsequently adopted as his banner